Matt Hughes: 5 Defining Moments

From his iconic “A Country Boy Can Survive” entrance to his no-nonsense, blue collar approach, Matt Hughes was an agent of change in mixed martial arts. The two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder was the sport’s premier welterweight for the better part of five years and did not relinquish his mantle until a prime Georges St. Pierre arrived on the scene. Hughes was a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Eastern Illinois University before shifting gears to MMA. He made his debut in 1998 and went on to a historically successful career at 170 pounds, serving as a lynchpin for the Miletich Fighting System camp in Iowa, where he linked arms with future UFC champions Tim Sylvia, Jens Pulver and Robbie Lawler. Hughes retired in 2013 with a 45-9 career record, having registered 35 of his victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. The UFC hall of famer still ranks third on the promotion’s all-time list in career wins (18) and fifth in appearances (25).On a resume littered with defining moments, here are five that stand out:1. Innovation Meets Controversy It was a finish that was talked about for years, and it made Hughes a champion for the first time. Carlos Newton had risen to prominence on the strength of his dangerous submission skills and had put away Hughes’ longtime mentor, Pat Miletich, with a bulldog choke to capture the welterweight crown at UFC 31. Hughes posed a serious threat but had not yet established himself as the top 170-pound fighter in the sport. His clash with Newton at UFC 34 on Nov. 2, 2001 started him down that path. After a competitive first round, Newton seized control in the second. Hughes was bogged down in the Canadian’s guard and eventually found himself entangled in a triangle choke. The challenger fought to extract himself, but as the seconds ticked off the clock, it seemed more and more likely that Newton’s submission skills would allow him to retain his title. No one could have foreseen what ensued. In a desperate but genius maneuver, Hughes scooped up Newton, walked him over to the cage and rested him against the top of the fence. The two rivals then slammed down hard on the canvas, the concussive impact knocking out the Canadian. Hughes also appeared to be out, having lost consciousness in the clutches of the choke. However, when Newton’s triangle was undone by the slam, Hughes was set free and was the first to come to his senses. Since Newton was still unconscious, referee John McCarthy essentially had no choice but to award the …

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